Specialisation Biological Chemistry

The focus of Biological Chemistry is on the (bio)chemical properties of molecules in living systems. It combines principles of physical and organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, genetics and bioinformatics. Students are prepared to contribute new insights to the life sciences in areas such as the molecular regulation of cellular processes, e.g. growth and development, signal transduction, and the properties and functioning of biomolecules in vivo and in vitro. This specialisation further includes investigation of complex ensembles of biomolecules and their interactions in biological systems with genomic and proteomic approaches, which form the heart of fundamental biomedical and physiological research.

What's it about?

Examples are molecular regulation of growth and cell differentiation, gene control during development and disease, the transfer of genetic traits, enzymology (enzyme mechanisms are studied with the aim of understanding and modifying the properties of enzymes to make new compounds) or biological membranes.

Graduates from this specialisation are qualified to carry out research in all areas of life sciences at both universities and institutes. They are also eligible for R&D positions in industries involved in agro-food, pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals and biotechnology